BEARING the badge of a police officer carries a great deal of responsibility. These are men and women who are called upon, often daily, to do difficult and dangerous jobs.

They must carry out these duties whilst ensuring they observe the highest possible standards in their own behaviour.

That is why it was disappointing and surprising to learn of police officers, not from the North Wales force, wilfully flaunting disabled parking regulations in Bala.

The officers, from Greater Manchester Police, were on a driver training course when irritated members of the public photographed them using the restricted bays as they nipped into a cafe for fish and chips.

Not only did they use the bays, but, reportedly, were arrogant and off-hand when challenged about it.

That sort of behaviour is completely out of order, yet one sees it all the time. How many

times have you seen people using disabled slots simply because it's nearer the door than the ample number of bays they are permitted to use?

Or how many times have you witnessed miserable parents driving round in circles at the supermarket because all the parent and toddler bays have been taken up by people without children?

This sort of behaviour is selfish and, 99 times out of 100, absolutely unnecessary.

So why is it worse when a police officer does it?

Because the police, whether they like it or not, are expected to set an example.

These are people paid and trained to ensure the rules of society are obeyed. How can we have any faith in their ability to carry out their duties when they cannot even be bothered to uphold the law themselves?

It is an oft-quoted lament that 'there is no respect in society these days.' Behaviour like that of the Greater Manchester Police force probably explains why.